| December 19, 2007 | News for association and chamber leaders |
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| Business Leadership |  |  |
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- In a slump? Don't panic
It's entirely common for salespeople to find themselves in a slow period from time to time. Some tips for sailing through such situations include remaining calm and focused, not getting mad and not getting down on oneself. Manage Smarter
(12/17) 
- When it comes to the competition, play nice
Salespersons who maintain a good attitude about their competitors will boost their own bottom line and professional reputation, sales expert Dave Kahle says. Respect your rivals, never speak disparagingly of them -- especially in front of your customers -- and don't believe every negative report you hear about your competitors. DaveKahle.com
(12/4)
- Optimism, persistence engineered professor's success
Ansoft CEO Zoltan Cendes turned entrepreneur when he was a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. In a Q-and-A with IEEE Spectrum, Cendes talks about turning his research on electromagnetic fields into a fast-growing small business; how his university background prepared him to run a business; and safeguarding proprietary ideas. IEEE Spectrum
(12/2007)
- Toy company masters seven steps to success
Toronto's Spin Master Ltd. seems to have developed a seven-step process for mastering success with its newest hit toy product -- Bakugan. From knowing what you want to developing partnerships to keeping ideas fresh, the company has developed one hit toy after another. Financial Post (Canada)
(12/17)
| Quick Poll | | |
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Poll: How important is having one hit product to your organization?
Look for the results from today's poll in the Editor's Note section of next week's U.S. Chamber SmartBrief.
 | Very important -- a hit product is the key ingredient to success. |
| Somewhat important, but other aspects play a role as well. |
| Not important -- having a hit product only adds to the pressures of running my operation. |
| CEO Update | | |
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CEO Update and U.S. Chamber SmartBrief partner to bring you exclusive association and other nonprofit reports and career listings.
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CEO search
CEO searches under way at these organizations: Atlanta Urban League, International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition and Washington Education Association. More information at CEO Update. Nonprofit Recruiting Fact: What are your chances as a senior staffer to become a CEO? Find out here. New at the Top: Association of Defense Communities, Bank Information Center and International Association of Arson Investigators. Find out who they are and where they came from at CEO Update.
| Chamber Spotlight | | |
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- Businesses upset over Arizona illegal-immigrant-hiring law
Arizona businesses, including several members of the state Chamber, are shaken over a new law set to take effect in the state on Jan. 1 that will crack down on the hiring of illegal immigrants. Under the new law, businesses that knowingly hire illegal immigrants can lose their business licenses, and legal challenges to block the law from going into effect are under way. NYTimes.com
(12/14)
- West Virginia Chamber promotes e-health transition
The West Virginia Chamber of Commerce recently unveiled a new initiative aimed at reducing some of the paperwork involved in the health care system. "Most people wouldn't even think about this, but just the paperwork that goes along with our health care system adds an enormous amount of costs," says Steve Roberts, president of the state chamber. Charleston Daily Mail (W.Va.)
(12/17)
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Take Advantage of Your Online Shipping Department
Operating a small business in a competitive marketplace often requires access to a full suite of shipping services and resources while working with limited staff. Luckily, there's fedex.com, your online shipping department. Everything you need to move products and supplies is a click away.
- Process your shipments and create shipping labels with FedEx Ship Manager® at fedex.com.
- Monitor your shipping activity and get shipment-status updates with FedEx InSight®.
- Choose from more than 50,000 convenient FedEx shipping locations, from staffed FedEx
Kinko's Office and Print Centers® to self-service FedEx Express® Drop Boxes.
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| Association Watch | | |
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- U.S. considers major overhaul of financial regulations
A regulatory overhaul may be in the cards as the U.S., with its hodgepodge of rules and watchdogs, has seen foreign markets create mature capital markets with sophisticated but flexible regulations.
"Our working assumption is that in this new globalized marketplace, we are engaged in a race to the top to achieve the optimal regulatory structure for our financial-services industry," said David Nason of the Treasury Department. The Financial Services Roundtable says regulatory reform is necessary for the U.S. to remain competitive. Financial Times (free content)
(12/14)
- Airlines push for satellite-based air traffic control
The nation's current air traffic control system relies on outdated technology and contributes to severe delays, airlines say. An Air Transport Association spokesman noted that the system was created in the 1950s and hasn't kept pace with the increase in flights and travelers. Switching to a satellite-based system will open space not currently available to commercial flights by increasing system capacity. Detroit Free Press
(12/16)
| U.S. Chamber News | | |
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Save the Date: Recovery Lessons Learned in Southern California
BCLC, in partnership with the newly established disaster coalition of Southern California Chambers of Commerce, will host a long-term recovery forum on Jan. 17 in San Diego that will apply lessons from around the nation to the current wildfire recovery in San Diego and Los Angeles. The forum will also explore how businesses can work together with local chambers to mitigate the impact of future disasters. Breakfast and lunch will be served. BCLC will arrange for networking opportunities before and after the forum, and will also invite local, state and federal disaster-response and recovery officials to participate as well. To RSVP for the Forum or to learn more, please see our Web site.
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Davenport, Iowa, receives recognition as one of nation's top communities
The U.S. Conference of Mayors selected Davenport as one of "America's Most Livable Cities" and the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs has named Davenport as one of Iowa's "Great Places." Both awards recognize the city's RiverVision plan, which proposes to create one of the most spectacular riverfronts in the nation. Davenport, located three hours directly west of Chicago, sits on the edge of some of the most picturesque sites along the Mississippi River. Read more about Davenport's awards here.
| U.S. Chamber Member Benefits | | |
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Plan ahead for your 2008 hiring needs -- try Monster.com
Make sure your job postings attract top candidates. The best, most-diverse job seekers post their resumes and search for jobs on Monster. So plan ahead for your 2008 hiring needs and try Monster today. Remember, U.S. Chamber members receive a FREE trial job posting plus additional discounts on employer products. Learn more here or call (877) 870-2158.
| Editor's Note | | |
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Poll results: Does your organization offer Spanish training?
 Last week's poll question asked readers if they currently offered Spanish training to their employees. - 8% said yes, today's world dictates that knowledge of Spanish is necessary.
- 84% said no, currently my organization does not offer Spanish training.
- 8% said not yet, but I'm not ruling such training out in the future.
| SmartQuote | | |
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 | If the world seems cold to you, kindle fires to warm it."
--Lucy Larcom,
poet
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| | Recent U.S. Chamber SmartBrief Issues:
- Wednesday, December 12, 2007
- Wednesday, December 05, 2007
- Wednesday, November 28, 2007
- Wednesday, November 21, 2007
- Wednesday, November 14, 2007
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